BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Shady Spring man who stole a high-powered rifle from a Raleigh County residence last year was sentenced yesterday to four years and nine months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Cameron Martin Taylor, 25, of Shady Spring, Raleigh Co., W.Va., previously pleaded guilty in September 2013 to stealing a firearm. Taylor’s sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Irene C. Berger in Beckley.

On April 24, 2013, Taylor stole an AR-50 rifle from a residence located near White Oak, Raleigh Co., W.Va.

The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney John File handled the prosecution.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.